Crime and victims

Prostitution

The cost of prostitution to our society is too high and we are committed to tackling the problem.

Facts and figures

Statistics are notoriously difficult to gather on this subject, but research suggests that:

almost 80,000 people are involved in prostitution in the UK
up to 95% of those involved in street-based prostitution are problem drug-users, and many are homeless
a recent survey suggested that 4.3% of men have paid for sex in the last ten years (8.9% in London, 3.5% nationally)

(Source: Paying the Price, Home Office Consultation, July 2004)

Kerb crawling fuels the exploitation of women by indirectly supporting drug-dealers and abusers, as well as perpetuating a market fraught with violence and abuse.

We are tackling prostitution through:

Prevention

Including awareness raising, prevention and early intervention measures to stop individuals, particularly children and young people, from becoming involved in prostitution.

Tackling demand

Responding to community concerns by deterring those who create the demand, and removing the opportunity for street prostitution to take place. This includes our marketing campaign to deter kerb crawlers.

Developing ways out

Helping those involved with prostitution to get out of the trap. This will largely be achieved through local support and outreach projects.

Ensuring justice

Bringing to justice those who exploit individuals through prostitution, and those who commit violent and sexual offences against those involved in prostitution.

Tackling off-street prostitution

Targeting commercial sexual exploitation, for example prostitution conducted through brothels, in particular where victims are young or have been trafficked.

Kerb crawling - 'it costs more than you think'

On 9 May, we launched a marketing campaign that highlights the true cost of kerb crawling - to everyone involved.

The campaign also highlights the potential consequences for those who get caught. For instance:

if convicted of kerb crawling you could face:
- up to a £1000 fine
- losing your driving licence (risking exposure to family, friends and work colleagues when/if the media gets hold of the story)
if convicted of paying for sex with someone who is under 18 you face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment